Multi-interface streaming media system

ABSTRACT

A streaming media device includes a printed circuit board hosting components configured to access internet data. An audio/visual connector is linked to the printed circuit board, wherein the audio/visual connector is adapted for connection to an audio/visual device, wherein the audio/visual connector is adapted to operate with a first audio/visual interface having sufficient power to fully operate the printed circuit board and a second audio/visual interface having insufficient power to fully operate the printed circuit board. A power connector is linked to the printed circuit board, wherein the power connector selectively receives power based on the audio/visual connector utilizing one of the first audio/visual interface and the second audio/visual interface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/812,698, filedNov. 14, 2017, and entitled “Multi-Interface Streaming Media System,which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 15/043,115, filed Feb. 12,2016, and entitled “Multi-Interface Streaming Media System,” which is acontinuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/347,619, filed Jan. 10, 2012, andentitled “Multi-Interface Streaming Media System,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 13/340,507, filed Dec. 29, 2011,and entitled “Streaming Media System”, which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. Ser. No. 13/286,122, filed Oct. 31, 2011, and entitled “InternetAccess Card for Deployment within a Television.” All theabove-referenced applications are herein incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to television functionality. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a technique for augmentingtelevision functionality through a media streaming device deployedthrough an audio/visual device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Roku, Inc., of Saratoga, Calif., the assignee of the present invention,currently offers a streaming media platform for connection to atelevision. In particular, the streaming media platform utilizes a cable(i.e., a High Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI cable) to connectto external ports of a television. The streaming media platform uses awireless connection to access the internet. Consequently, streamed mediafrom the internet is wirelessly collected by the streaming mediaplatform and is applied to the cable for display on a television.

There are commercially available televisions with resident internetaccess circuits. These internet access circuits may access the internetthrough a wireless connection or a wired connection, such as an Ethernetcable connection. Many purchasers are reluctant to purchase a televisionwith a built-in internet access circuit because such purchasers do notwant to be committed to a certain internet connection interface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a streaming media device. In oneembodiment, the streaming media device includes a printed circuit boardhosting components configured to access internet data. An audio/visualconnector is linked to the printed circuit board, wherein theaudio/visual connector is adapted for connection to an audio/visualdevice, wherein the audio/visual connector is adapted to operate with afirst audio/visual interface having sufficient power to fully operatethe printed circuit board and a second audio/visual interface havinginsufficient power to fully operate the printed circuit board. A powerconnector is linked to the printed circuit board, wherein the powerconnector selectively receives power based on the audio/visual connectorutilizing one of the first audio/visual interface and the secondaudio/visual interface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention is more fully appreciated in connection with the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates components associated with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an internet access card for engagement with atelevision in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates components associated with an internet access cardconfigured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates components associated with a television configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a media streaming device configured in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a media streaming device configured in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates components associated with an embodiment of theinvention. In particular, the figure illustrates a television 100 with acard bay to receive an internet access card 102, the configuration ofwhich is discussed below. The television 100 is operative with a remote104, which includes buttons 106. The television 100 as described is anexample of a device that is capable of presenting audio and visualinformation. Such a device is commonly referred to as an audio/visualdevice.

FIG. 1 also illustrates the internet 110, which is connected to awireless router 108. The wireless router 108 is in proximity to thetelevision 100, which allows the internet access card 102 to collectinternet data. The wireless router 108 may also communicate with otherproximate devices, such as a computer 112 and a personal digitalassistant 114.

Thus, the internet access card 102 provides an internet streamingsolution as an add-on to a television. Consequently, the televisionmanufacturer does not need to bear the cost of an internet streamingsolution associated with a particular supplier. Instead, a consumer maychoose from one of many internet access cards 102 and simply plugs aselected solution into the television 100. This makes televisionpurchasing easier since the consumer can purchase a television that iscompatible with many internet streaming platforms. The consumer has theflexibility to purchase a low cost connectivity solution without beingtied to a solution embedded within the television. If an internet accesscard 102 is not installed, then the television operates in a standardmanner.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the television 100. The television 100 includesa card bay 200, in this case a recessed region at the rear of thetelevision. The card bay 200 includes a card bay electrical interface202, which may be in the form of a female socket.

FIG. 2 also illustrates the internet access card 102, which includes acard housing 206. The internet access card 102 also includes card leads208, which may be in the form of a male socket with double sided leads(i.e., leads on each side of a printed circuit board). The card housing206 may include a card guide 210. In one embodiment, the card guide 210is a recessed region within the card housing 206. The card guide 210 isconfigured to engage a protruding card bay guide 204 in card bay 200.Preferably, this guide arrangement provides a mechanical key that allowsfor engagement with the card bay electrical interface 202 only when thecard 102 is properly positioned. The guide arrangement also operates tosupport the card 102 when engaged with the card bay electrical interface202.

FIG. 3 illustrates electrical components associated with internet accesscard 102. The card includes a set of card leads 208, which may be placedon top and bottom surfaces of a printed circuit board 300. Exemplary pinassignments are as follows: in Side A Side B Comments

Pin Side A Side B Comments 1 5 V GND Ground pins are longest 2 GND 5 V 5V at 6 W total 3 HPD CEC 4 GROUND CLK+ HDMI Out CLK + and − 5 GROUNDCLK− 6 D0+ GROUND HDMI Out D0 + and − 7 D0− GROUND 8 GROUND D1+ HDMI OutD1 +and − 9 GROUND D1− 10 D2+ GROUND HDMI Out D2 + and − 11 D2− GROUNDMechanical KEY 12 HDMI SDA Serial data TX TX from TV to Card, 119200, N,8, 1, 3.3 V 13 HDMI SCL Serial data RX RX from Card to TV, 119200, N, 8,1, 3.3 V 14 Reset_n FUTURE Reset goes low to reset our card, high to run15 TV_WakeReq_n TV_StbyState_n Used to wake the TV up from standby 16Crd_StbyReq_n Crd_StbyState_n Standby goes low request card standby 17FUTURE 5 V 18 CARD_DETAn GROUND Ground pins are longest

The different pins may be characterized as follows.

FUTURE: This means that the line is reserved for future definition. Theline is not connected in this embodiment of the card.

GND: These are the system ground pins. Preferably, they are the longestpin on the male card edge connector, such that they contact the femaleconnector first.

5V: In one embodiment, there is 6 W of 5V power. The HDMI specificationrequires 4.8V to 5.3V. In one embodiment, these pins are the 2^(nd)longest pins.

HPD: This is the standard HDMI Hot Plug Detect (HPD) pin as defined inthe HDMI specification for a HDMI source (TV card).

CEC: This is the standard HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) line,as defined by the HDMI specification.

CLK+, CLK−: This is the standard HDMI TMDS clock pair used to transmitdata from the source (card 102) to the sink (TV 100).

D0+,D0−: This is the standard HDMI TMDS data pair 0 used to transmitdata from the source (card 102) to the sink (TV 100).

D1+,D1−: This is the standard HDMI TMDS data pair 1 used to transmitdata from the source (card 102) to the sink (TV 100).

D2+,D2−: This is the standard HDMI TMDS data pair 2 used to transmitdata from the source (card 102) to the sink (TV 100).

Mechanical Key: This is a slot that is cut into the male connectorbetween pins 11 and 12, and is used to make sure that the card cannot beinserted backwards.

HDMI SDA: This is the HDMI standard Display Data Channel (DDC) I2C dataline used to read the EDID from the sink (TV 100).

HDMI SCL: This is the HDMI standard Display Data Channel (DDC) I2C clockline used to read the EDID from the sink (TV 100).

Serial Data TX: This is the Transmit serial data line with datadirection from the TV 100 to the card 102. The voltage signaling levelon this card may be 3.3V. The baud rate may be 119200, and the protocolmay be N,8,1. The signaling level may be specified by a UniversalAsynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) and may be inverted from thenormal sense of 12V RS232.

Serial Data RX: This is the Receive serial data line with data directionfrom the card 102 to the TV 100. The voltage signaling level on thiscard may be 3.3V. The baud rate may be 119200, and the protocol may beN,8,1. In one embodiment, the signaling level is from the UART and isinverted from the normal sense of 12V RS232.

Reset_n: This is the active low reset signal from the TV 100 to the card102. The TV 100 should hold this line low as long as there is no cardinserted. When a card 102 is inserted, the TV is to keep this line lowfor about 200 mS, then raise this line to 3.3V. If the TV is unpluggedand plugged back in, then the TV should hold the line low for 200 mS andraise the line to 3.3V. This line will not be toggled when the userturns the TV on and off.

TV_WakeReq_n: The card 102 makes this signal go low to request the TV100 to wake up. This signal is used to wake up the TV in the conditionfor example if the user presses a key on the RF remote 104. Under normalconditions this signal is high.

TV_StbyState_n: This signal is low when the TV is in standby mode. It ishigh when the TV is in regular running mode. The TV drives this signal.

Crd_StbyReq_n: The TV 100 will bring this signal low to ask the card 102to go into standby mode. It will bring this signal high to ask the card102 to go back into normal power mode.

Crd_StbyState_n: The card 102 makes this signal go low when the card 102is in standby mode; it will go high when the card 102 is in normal powermode.

CARD_DETAn: The card 102 grounds this signal when the card is inserted.It may do this by connecting this pin to a ground pin on the card 102.The TV 100 pulls up this signal with a ˜10K resistor, and then when thissignal goes low it lets the TV know that a card has been inserted.

FIG. 3 illustrates the processor 302 receiving some of these signals. Inparticular, audio/video (A/V) corresponds to specified HDMI signals,“serial” corresponds to the UART serial signals and “clock” correspondsto the different specified clock signals. The processor 302 may be anembedded multimedia applications processor, such as the BCM 2835, soldby Broadcom, Irvine, Calif. The printed circuit board 300 also hosts apower management chip 312, which may be the BCM959002 power managementunit sold by Broadcom, Irvine, Calif. The power management chip 312receives a power signal from leads 208. Thus, the card 102 does notrequire a separate power supply. It should be appreciated that theserial link of FIG. 3 may be any communication link configured tosupport a specified communication protocol. The specified communicationprotocol may be Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), Serial PeripheralInterface Bus (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) or a parallel bus.

The processor 302 is also connected to a WiFi circuit 304, which mayinclude one or more antennas. The WiFi circuit supports wirelesscommunications, with for example, a wireless router. In one embodiment,there is also a Uniform Serial Bus (USB) port 306. An Ethernet port 308may also be provided, which allows for a hardwired connection to theinternet. These ports should be exposed to the user when the card 102 isinserted in the television 100.

An interface module 310 is also connected to the processor 302. Theinterface module is a set of executable instructions stored in memory,which are executed by the processor 302. The interface module 310provides a graphical user interface for display on the television 100.That is, in certain modes, the card 102 operates as a master device,while the television 100 operates as a slave device. Control signals tothe television 100 may be supplied with CEC commands in the HDMIprotocol. For example, an infrared receiver on the television mayreceive a command from a remote. The television sends the command overthe internal HDMI CEC link to the card 102. The card 102 may thenprovide the appropriate command back to the television 100 via an HDMICEC link.

FIG. 4 illustrates a television 100 configured in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The television 100 is configured to includethe card bay electrical interface 202. This interface is relativelyinexpensive and therefore does not present a barrier to adoption fortelevision manufacturers.

Other inputs may include a tuner 402 (e.g., a high definition televisiontuner) and an auxiliary interface 404. An audio/visual signal sourcemultiplexer 406 operates under the control of the processor 408 toselect an audio/visual signal input. The processor 408 performs standardfunctions to produce a visual signal at display 410 and an audio signalat speaker 412. The television 100 also includes a standard powermanagement circuit 414. Observe that the card bay electrical interface202 provides a link to the internal electronics of the television 100.This allows the card 102 to control the television 100, such as toprovide a graphical user interface from the interface module 310.

In one embodiment, the card 102 is 3 inches wide, 4 inches long and 0.75inches thick. The invention is operative with a simple remote. Forexample, to access streaming content, only a small set of buttons isrequired, which may include a home key, back key, OK key, leftnavigation key, right navigation key, up navigation key, down navigationkey, play/pause key, double arrow left key, and a double arrow rightkey. Alphanumeric keys are not required. Instead, the interface module310 provides a graphical user interface that allows a user to navigatethrough content using only the specified keys. The home key may be usedto invoke control by the card 102. Alternately, control by the card 102may be invoked by using a remote to toggle through different video inputselections. A separate remote may be used with the card 102.Alternately, signals from a universal remote or dedicated remote for atelevision manufacturer may be mapped to operations, as specified by theinterface module 310.

FIG. 5 illustrates a media streaming device 510 configured in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The device 510 is configured toconnect with the television 100. In one embodiment, the device 510 isconfigured to stream media content from a source and make the streamedmedia accessible to the television 100. In addition, the device 510 canalso be configured to control the functionality of the television 100.

In one embodiment, a cable 502 operates as an interface with television100. Television 100 corresponds to television 100 of FIG. 4, but insteadof the card bay interface 202 of FIG. 4, a cable interface 500 is used.In one embodiment, the cable interface 500 is a Mobile High-DefinitionLink (MHL) cable interface. In another embodiment, the cable interface500 is directly connected with a connector 504 without the use of thecable 502 while still utilizing an MHL interface through a connectorsuch as HDMI connector, universal serial bus (USB) connector, and microUSB connector. MHL is a proposed industry standard for a mobileaudio/video interface for directly connecting mobile phones tohigh-definition televisions (HDTVs) and displays. The MHL standardfeatures a single cable or connector with a low pin-count interface ableto support up to 1080p high-definition (HD) video and digital audiowhile simultaneously providing power for the connected device.

In one embodiment, the cable interface 500 is configured to decodesignals received from the cable 502 or through the connector 504. In oneembodiment, the connector 504 is configured to encode signals from thedevice 510.

Although not a mobile phone device that is contemplated by the MHLstandard, the device 510 is a dedicated device capable of streamingmedia to the television 100 and controlling the television 100. Theconnector 504 on the device 510 may be in any number of forms becauseMHL is connection agnostic. Thus, the interface may be a micro UniversalSerial Bus (USB) connection or an HDTV connection (e.g., HDMI).

The device 510 also includes a processor 512 and interface module 514.The interface module 514 supports MHL standard operations along withother operations specified in connection with other embodiments of thedisclosed technology. A power management circuit 516 manages the powercoming into the device 510 from the television 100. The device 510 ispowered from a lead at connector 504 and via the television 100.

A WiFi circuit 518 is also resident within the device 510. An antenna520 is connected to the WiFi circuit 518. The antenna 520 may be formedon a printed circuit board (not shown) associated with the components ofthe device 510. Alternately, the antenna 520 may be incorporated intocable 502 or another externally mounted device. In another embodiment,the antenna 520 is externally mounted outside the device 510 and iscoupled to the device 510 via a connector. For example, an externallymounted antenna can be located away from the device 510 and near thetelevision 100 to optimize a signal being received by the antenna 520for use by the device 510. In yet another embodiment, the antenna 520 iscomprised of a conductive medium such as a wire and is located externalof the device 510.

In one embodiment, the remote 104 is configured to communicate with thedevice 510. The interface module 514 is configured to be responsive tothe remote 104. This allows the interface module 514 to operate as amaster control device, with the television 100 operating as a slavedevice. For example, the interface module 514 may include an infraredsensor to communicate with the remote 104. In one embodiment, the remote104 controls both the device 510 and the television 100. In anotherembodiment, the remote 104 is configured as a simplified remote. Forexample, to access streaming content, only a small set of buttons isrequired, which may include a home key, back key, OK key, leftnavigation key, right navigation key, up navigation key, down navigationkey, play/pause key, double arrow left key, and a double arrow rightkey. Alphanumeric keys are not required. Instead, the interface module514 provides a graphical user interface that allows a user to navigatethrough content using only the specified keys. The home key may be usedto invoke control of the television 100 by the device 510.

In one instance, the television 100 may lack the ability to controlvolume selection, channel selection, and/or source selection. In anotherinstance, the television 100 has the capability of volume control,channel selection, and source selection. In both instances, the remote104 can serve as the primary interface and control both the device 510and the television 100. For example, the remote 104 is configured tocontrol the source selection, channel selection and/or volume for thetelevision 100 by sending the appropriate instructions through theinterface module 514 of the device 510.

In another embodiment, these instructions are further encoded by theinterface module 514 from instructions from the remote 104 into a formatthat can be used to control the television 100. In one embodiment, thefunctionality of the interface module 514 is separated into two distinctmodules; one module for interfacing with the remote 104 commands andanother module for encoding instructions into another format such as theMHL interface. Further, representations of these instructionsoriginating from the remote 104 are routed to the television 100 throughthe connector 504. In one embodiment, the connector 504 utilizes the MHLinterface to control the television 100.

In use, the remote 104 is configured to control streaming media andother functionality of the device 510 in addition to controlling aspectsof the television 100 such as volume, channel selection and sourceselection.

Alternately, control by the device 510 may be invoked by using a remoteto toggle through different video input selections. A separate remotemay be used with the device 510. Alternately, signals from a universalremote or dedicated remote for a television manufacturer may be mappedto operations, as specified by the interface module 514.

FIG. 6 illustrates a media streaming device 610 configured in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The device 610 is configured toconnect with the television 100. In one embodiment, the device 610 issimilar to the device 510 and is also configured to stream media contentfrom a source and make the streamed media accessible to the television100. In addition, the device 610 can also be configured to connect withthe Internet and receive and transmit content via wireless connectionsimilar to the antenna 520 and to display content through the streamingdevice 610 to the television 100.

The device 610 is configured to be compatible with multiple audio/visualinterfaces. In one embodiment, the device 610 is compatible with bothHDMI and MHL interfaces through a single connector. In addition to theelements recited and shown within the device 510, the device 610 alsoincludes an indicator 615, a battery storage 620, connectors 625, 630,and a switch 632.

In one embodiment, the indicator 615 is an LED light which indicatesthat the device 610 is properly connected with a power source. In oneembodiment, a red light displayed on the indicator 615 indicates thatthe device 610 is improperly connected or not connected to a suitablepower source and that the device 610 needs to be connected to a suitablepower source for operation. Similarly, a green light displayed on theindicator 615 indicates that the device 610 is properly connected to asuitable power source and is ready for operation. Further, a yellowlight displayed on the indicator 615 indicates that the device 610 isnot connected to a suitable power source but nonetheless the device 610can sufficiently operate utilizing the battery storage 620. Further, ablinking yellow light displayed on the indicator 615 can indicate thatthe charge on the battery storage 620 is running low and needs to becharged for the device 610 to continue operation.

In another embodiment, the indicator 615 is a display screen such as anLCD that is configured to provide a textual or graphical statusindicator of the device 610 relative to connectivity of the device 610for data transmission and power source, and relative to power level ofthe battery storage 620.

In one embodiment, the battery storage 620 is utilized to provide powerto illuminate the indicator 615. In another embodiment, the batterystorage 620 is utilized to power the device 610. The battery storage 620may be recharged through the device 610 connecting with one of theconnectors 640, 645, 650, and 655.

In one embodiment, the connector 625 is configured to physically connectwith an HDMI port. In another embodiment, the connector 625 can beconnected with another type of port such as DVI and SVGA. Further, theconnector 625 is configured to operate in accordance with both the HDMIinterface and the MHL interface.

In one embodiment, the connector 630 is configured to connect with andreceive power through a power cord 635. In one embodiment, the connector630 and the power cord 635 are optimized to receive power through a USBport and/or a traditional wall socket outlet. In another embodiment, thepower cord 635 can operate as an antenna similar to the antenna 520. Inone embodiment, the switch 632 is utilized to manually select anaudio/visual interface for use with the device 610.

In one embodiment, the television 100 includes connectors 640, 645, and650. In one embodiment, the connectors 640 and 645 are compatible withan HDMI connector form factor. In one embodiment, the connector 640 iscapable of supporting both the MHL interface and HDMI interface; and theconnector 645 is not capable of supporting the MHL interface and iscapable of supporting the HDMI interface. Further, the connector 650 iscompatible with at least one of a USB connection and a micro-USBconnection. A connector 655 is a wall power outlet capable of providingan electrical charge. In one embodiment, the connector 655 delivers oneof 110 volts and 220 volts.

In use, the device 610 detects the type of audio/visual interface (e.g.HDMI and MHL) through the connector 625. Further, the processor 512within the device 610 determines the requirements to properly operatethe device 610 with the television 100 and coordinates operation,charging, and messaging between the battery storage 620 and theconnectors 625 and 630.

In use, when the device 610 is coupled to the television 100 through theconnector 625 and the connector 640 (which in one embodiment is MHLenabled), the device 610 detects sufficient power and audio/visualconnectivity and is capable of fully operating with the television 100without further connections. In one embodiment, the indicator 615illuminates with a green light indicating a proper connection betweenthe device 610 and the television 100. In another embodiment, the device610 transmits a signal to the television 100 that indicates the device610 is properly connected; and the television 100 is able to display amessage that indicates the device 610 is properly connected.

In another use, when the device 610 is coupled to the television 100through the connector 625 and the connector 645 (which in one embodimentis only HDMI enabled), the device 610 detects sufficient audio/visualconnectivity and insufficient external power and is not capable ofoperating with the television 100 without further connections toexternal power or relying on internal power such as the battery storage620. In this embodiment, additional power needs to be received by thedevice 610 for proper operation with the television 100. In oneembodiment, power is delivered to the device 610 through the connector630 (on the device 610), the power cord 635, and the connector 650 (aUSB port on the television 100). In another embodiment, the device 610is powered through the connector 655 which is a wall power outlet.

Prior to connection of the device 610 with an external power sourcethrough representative connectors 650 and 655 and subsequent toconnection of the device 610 with the connector 645, the indicator 615illuminates with a red light indicating a need for a power source forproper operation between the device 610 and the television 100. In thisembodiment, the device 610 transmits a signal to the television 100 thatindicates the device 610 requires a power source; and the television 100is able to display a message that indicates that an external powersource needs to be connected through the connector 630 and the powercord 635. In one embodiment, the battery storage 620 provides sufficientpower to transmit this signal from the device 610 to the television 100.In another embodiment, the HDMI interface through the connection of thedevice 610 and the connector 645 provides sufficient power to transmitthis signal from the device 610 to the television 100. Although thissignal is transmitted from the device 610 to the television 100, thereis not sufficient power to fully operate the device 610 with thetelevision 100.

In one embodiment, the power to illuminate the indicator 615 comes fromthe power pin within the HDMI interface within the connector 645. Inanother embodiment, power to illuminate the indicator comes from thebattery storage 620. In this instance, once an external power sourcesuch as the connectors 650 and 655 is provided to the device 610, theindicator 615 illuminates with a green light indicating a properconnection between the device 610 and the television 100.

In another embodiment, the device 610 is configured to properly operatewith the television 100 while relying on the battery storage 620 andsolely connected to the connector 645 being supported by the HDMIinterface. In this instance, the device 610 detects this condition andis configured to draw power from the battery storage 620 to properlyoperate the device 610 in conjunction with the television 100. Whileconnected to the connector 645 and operating solely on the batterystorage 620 (without an external power source), the indicator 615illuminates with a yellow light indicating that the device 610 isoperating on an internal power source. During operation of the device610 while solely on the battery storage 620, the indicator 615illuminates with a blinking yellow light indicating that the power levelwithin the battery storage 620 is low and will need to be recharged. Inone embodiment, the speed of the blinking yellow light will indicateseverity of the power depletion within the battery storage 620. Further,the color of the light may be changed to red as the power level of thebattery storage 620 reaches critically low levels that would prevent thedevice 610 from operating. In this embodiment, the device 610 transmitsa signal to the television 100 that indicates the device 610 iscurrently running on an internal power source (the battery storage 620);the amount of power remaining; and the charge state which consists ofdischarging and charging. This signal from the device 610 instructs thetelevision 100 to display a message that indicates the current charge ofthe storage battery 620, the charge state, and further instructions suchas connecting the device 610 to an external power source through theconnectors 640, 645, 650, and 655 that have a sufficient power supply tocharge the storage battery 620 and/or to power the device 610 toproperly operate with the television 100.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a computer storageproduct with a computer readable storage medium having computer codethereon for performing various computer-implemented operations. Themedia and computer code may be those specially designed and constructedfor the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kindwell known and available to those having skill in the computer softwarearts. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limitedto: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape;optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs and holographic devices;magneto-optical media; and hardware devices that are speciallyconfigured to store and execute program code, such asapplication-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), programmable logicdevices (“PLDs”) and ROM and RAM devices. Examples of computer codeinclude machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and filescontaining higher-level code that are executed by a computer using aninterpreter. For example, an embodiment of the invention may beimplemented using JAVA®, C++, or other object-oriented programminglanguage and development tools. Another embodiment of the invention maybe implemented in hardwired circuitry in place of, or in combinationwith, machine-executable software instructions.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specificdetails are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, theforegoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention arepresented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible inview of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and describedin order to best explain the principles of the invention and itspractical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art tobest utilize the invention and various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the following claims and their equivalents define thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A media device, comprising: a housing comprisingan indicator; an audio/visual connector configured to utilize at leastone type of audio/visual interface; a power connector configure toreceive additional power via a removable power cord; a wireless circuitconfigured to communicate with at least one wireless device; and acircuit board enclosed by the housing, wherein the circuit boardoperatively couples memory, at least one processor, the wirelesscircuit, the audio/visual connector, the power connector, and the atleast one processor is configured to detect the at least one type ofaudio/visual interface that is utilized by the media device, detectwhether the media device is properly connected to an external powersource via the power connector and the removable power cord, determinewhether the additional power is required to operate the media devicebased at least on the at least one type of audio/visual interface thatis utilized by the media device, and illuminate the indicator based atleast on a determination of whether additional power is required tooperate the media device and whether the media device is connected tothe external power source.
 2. The media device of claim 1, wherein theat least one type of audio/visual interface includes a first type ofaudio/visual interface capable of operating the media device without theadditional power and a second type of audio/visual interface not capableof operating the media device without the additional power.
 3. The mediadevice of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to: detect that the media device is not properly connected tothe external power source, and determine that the additional power isrequired to operate the media device, after detecting that the at leastone type of audio/visual interface that is utilized by the media deviceis the second type of audio/visual interface which is not capable offully operating the media device without the additional power.
 4. Themedia device of claim 3, further comprising: an internal power sourceenclosed by the housing and operatively coupled to at least the circuitboard; and wherein the at least one processor is further configured todetermine whether sufficient power is stored within the internal powersource to operate the media device.
 5. The media device of claim 4,wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: receive theadditional power from the internal power source, determine thatsufficient power is stored within the internal power source to operatethe media device, and to illuminate the indicator, the at least oneprocessor is further configured to illuminate the indicator with asecond indication to indicate at least that the media device is able tosufficiently operate utilizing the internal power source, after at leastthe detection that the media device is not properly connected to theexternal power source, the determination that sufficient power is storedwithin the internal power source to operate the media device, and thedetermination that the additional power is required to operate the mediadevice.
 6. The media device of claim 4, wherein the at least oneprocessor is further configured to: receive the additional power fromthe internal power source, determine that remaining amount of powerstored within the internal power source is low, and to illuminate theindicator, the at least one processor is further configured toilluminate the indicator with a third indication to indicate that theremaining amount of power of the internal power source is low and willneed to be charged to sufficiently operate, after at least the detectionthat the media device is not properly connected to the external powersource, the determination that the remaining amount of power storedwithin the internal power source is low, and the determination that theadditional power is required to operate the media device.
 7. The mediadevice of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to determine that insufficient power stored within theinternal power source prevents operation of the media device, and toilluminate the indicator, the at least one processor is furtherconfigured to illuminate the indicator with a first indication toindicate at least that the media device is connected to the second typeof audio/visual interface and not properly connected to the externalpower source, after at least the detection that the media device is notproperly connected to the external power source, the determination thatinsufficient power prevents the operation of the media device, and thedetermination that the additional power is required to operate the mediadevice.
 8. A computer-implemented method, comprising: detecting at leastone type of audio/visual interface that is utilized by a media devicevia an audio/visual connector, wherein the at least one type ofaudio/visual interface includes a first type of audio/visual interfacecapable of operating the media device without additional power and asecond type of audio/visual interface not capable of operating the mediadevice without the additional power; detecting whether the media deviceis properly connected to an external power source via power connectorand a removable power cord; determining whether the additional power isrequired to operate the media device based at least on the at least onetype of audio/visual interface that is utilized by the media device; andilluminating an indicator based at least on a determination of whetherthe additional power is required to operate the media device and whetherthe media device is connected to the external power source.
 9. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 8, further comprising: detectingthat the media device is not properly connected to the external powersource; and determining that the additional power is required to operatethe media device, after detecting that the at least one type ofaudio/visual interface that is utilized by the media device is a secondtype of audio/visual interface which is not capable of fully operatingthe media device without the additional power.
 10. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 9, further comprising: determiningthat insufficient power stored within an internal power source preventsoperation of the media device, wherein the illuminating of the indicatorfurther comprises illuminating the indicator with a first indication toindicate at least that the media device is connected to the second typeof audio/visual interface and not properly connected to the externalpower source, after at least detecting that the media device is notproperly connected to the external power source, determining thatinsufficient power prevents the operation of the media device, anddetermining that the additional power is required to operate the mediadevice.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10, wherein thefirst type of audio/visual interface is Mobile High-Definition Link(MHL) and the second type of audio/visual interface is High-DefinitionMultimedia Interface (HDMI).
 12. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 10, wherein the media device comprises a housing and a circuitboard, the circuit board operatively couples at least one processor,memory, a wireless circuit, the audio/visual connector, and the powerconnector, and the housing encloses the circuit board, the at least oneprocessor, and the memory, and at least partially the wireless circuit,the audio/visual connector, and the power connector.
 13. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 12, wherein the wireless circuitenables wireless communication with at least one wireless device, andthe wireless circuit is operatively coupled to the at least oneprocessor and an antenna.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim13, wherein: the external power source is a universal serial bus (USB)enabled connection configured to deliver the additional power to thepower connector via the removable power cord; and the internal powersource is a battery storage configured to deliver the additional powerto the at least one processor, the memory, and the wireless circuit. 15.A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions storedthereon that, when executed on a computing device cause the computingdevice to perform operations, the operations comprising: detecting atleast one type of audio/visual interface that is utilized by a mediadevice via an audio/visual connector, wherein the at least one type ofaudio/visual interface includes a first type of audio/visual interfacecapable of operating the media device without additional power and asecond type of audio/visual interface not capable of operating the mediadevice without the additional power; detecting whether the media deviceis properly connected to an external power source via power connectorand a removable power cord; determining whether the additional power isrequired to operate the media device based at least on the at least onetype of audio/visual interface that is utilized by the media device; andilluminating an indicator based at least on a determination of whetherthe additional power is required to operate the media device and whetherthe media device is connected to the external power source.
 16. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, wherein theoperations further comprise: detecting that the media device is notproperly connected to the external power source; and determining thatthe additional power is required to operate the media device, afterdetecting that the at least one type of audio/visual interface that isutilized by the media device is the second type of audio/visualinterface which is not capable of fully operating the media devicewithout the additional power.
 17. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the operations further comprise: determiningthat insufficient power stored within an internal power source preventsoperation of the media device, wherein the operation for illuminating ofthe indicator further comprises illuminating the indicator with a firstindication to indicate at least that the media device is connected tothe second type of audio/visual interface and not properly connected tothe external power source, after at least detecting that the mediadevice is not properly connected to the external power source,determining that insufficient power prevents the operation of the mediadevice, and determining that the additional power is required to operatethe media device.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving theadditional power from an internal power source, determining thatsufficient power is stored within the internal power source to operatethe media device, and wherein the operation for illuminating theindicator further comprises illuminating the indicator with a secondindication to indicate at least that the media device is able tosufficiently operate utilizing the internal power source, after at leastdetecting that the media device is not properly connected to theexternal power source, determining that sufficient power is storedwithin the internal power source to operate the media device, anddetermining that the additional power is required to operate the mediadevice.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16,wherein the operations further comprises: receiving the additional powerfrom an internal power source, determining that remaining amount ofpower stored within the internal power source is low, and wherein theoperation for illuminating the indicator further comprises illuminatingthe indicator with a third indication to indicate that the remainingamount of power of the internal power source is low and will need to becharged to sufficiently operate, after at least detecting that the mediadevice is not properly connected to the external power source,determining that the remaining amount of power stored within theinternal power source is low, and determining that the additional poweris required to operate the media device.
 20. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 15, wherein the first type of audio/visualinterface is Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) and the second type ofaudio/visual interface is High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).